Covid-19We're Still Here For You

Our team continues to process and send vouchers in line with UK Government guidelines. In the meantime, we’ve extended our voucher validity from 12 to 18 months giving you plenty of time to take your experience.
For more information on how we’re addressing the coronavirus situation view our COVID-19 FAQs

Opening Times

Open Monday to Friday 8.30 AM to 5:20 PM

01959 578100

Blacksmith Courses

Blacksmith courses and experiences at forges around the UK. These hands-on workshops show you the art of blacksmithing using traditional forging techniques and tools. From metal key fobs to knives, you’ll be making something practical or decorative that you can take home with you. Blacksmith experiences FAQs...

• Blacksmithing at a forge in Brampton near Carlisle• Workshops are in a purpose-built teaching forge• Learn to forge using traditional techniques & tools• Take your very own hand-made forged item home with you

Should I buy this experience?

Who it's for

Blacksmithing is a fascinating craft. These courses are a great opportunity for those with no blacksmithing experience to work in the forge using traditional methods to create your very own piece. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, you’ll love it.

Who it's not for

Blacksmithing is fairly physical and these workshops are very much hands-on, so you’ll need to be up for hammering the metal using a variety of tools. It’s also quite a hot environment to work in.

What is blacksmithing?

Blacksmithing is the art of heating metal (wrought iron or steel) in a forge, to then be able to create objects, both decorative and practical, using tools such as hammers, chisels and tongs to bend, form and cut the hot metal into the shape you want.

What can I make on a beginner’s blacksmith experience?

You’ll be surprised by what you can actually get to make in fairly short space of time on a blacksmith course. Typical items include hooks, letter openers, fire pokers and key fobs. More complicated pieces include woodworking tools, knives and swords.

Will I be able to take what I make home with me?

Yes! Be it a keepsake or something that’s totally practical like a kitchen knife, everything you make you will be able to take home with you as a memento of the day you learnt how to be a blacksmith!

Do blacksmiths still exist?

Yes! Back in the 18th and 19th centuries there would have been a blacksmith in every village. That’s not the case nowadays, but blacksmithing is still a profession, often with the emphasis on the artistic side, with blacksmiths carrying commission work. There are also a lot of hobbyist blacksmiths and people interested in learning this traditional craft, which is why blacksmith courses and experiences exist too!

Is all the material I need provided?

Yes. All the protective gear, the raw materials and the use of the tools is included in all blacksmithing experiences.

What is a forge?

A blacksmith’s workshop is known as a forge, but it’s actually the fire or heat source that’s the actual forge. Today’s forges are powered by propane, natural gas or the more traditional coal or charcoal.

How does a blacksmith’s forge work?

The wrought iron or steel is placed in the forge top heat up. Once it’s glowing, it’s hot and soft enough to be able to be bent, cut and shaped into whatever form you want.

How hot does the forge get?

Red hot! A coal-fired forge can easily reach 1900°C, but to forge steel for example, a temperature of around 1000°C is needed. That’s extremely hot, when you think your average cooking temperature in your oven at home is 180°C!

Is blacksmithing dangerous?

Sure you’re in an environment where there is extreme heat and flames using heavy hand tools, but as long as you wear all protective gear and take all necessary precautions, you can be a safe blacksmith.

How many people will be on the course?

With the amount of supervision required and space needed for using the forge and tools for these blacksmithing experiences, numbers are generally kept low, usually to one or two participants per tutor.

How does a blacksmith make knives?

Knives are one of the most popular practical items for a blacksmith to make. They involve a lot of skill and work, from laboriously hammering the metal, to shaping the blade and the ‘tang’ (the bit that goes into the handle) before heat-treating the blade and finally grinding.

What sort of metals do blacksmiths use?

Blacksmiths use traditional wrought iron and steel, including forging various types together.

What should I wear for a blacksmith course?

You should wear comfortable, well-fitting casual clothing. The most important thing is your footwear. A good pair of sturdy boots is best. And think about tying long hair back or up. The blacksmiths will provide things like gloves, eye protection and aprons.

Am I going to get dirty?

There’s no denying blacksmithing is hot, sweaty and grimy, so yes you will get dirty, but that’s all part of the experience!

Who invented blacksmithing?

Evidence has been found that metal was worked as far back 1350BC in ancient Egypt. During the first Iron Age in 800-500BC, heating metal in fire and shaping it became widespread. And although the processes and materials have been developed since then, the technique is basically the same - to heat the metal and then shape to create.

Do you use power tools in blacksmithing?

No. Artisan blacksmithing is one of the few traditional skills that has pretty much stayed as it always has been. No power tools, no robots, just humans, heat and some proper elbow grease!

What tools will I be using?

Traditional blacksmith tools (which, of course, the blacksmith can make themselves!) include various types and sizes of hammer, chisels and tongs, with an anvil and vice. These are the basic tools needed for blacksmithing and you’ll discover others such a hardy and a punch.

Where can I learn blacksmithing near me?

Blacksmithing courses and experiences are becoming increasingly popular, with more and more forges opening up their doors to welcome beginners to learn the art of blacksmithing. Usually full-day courses, you’ll find blacksmith courses near you in:

Newsletter Sign Up

Competitions, Savings, Promo Codes,
News, Blog, Social Media

By ticking this box you express your consent to receive email updates on exclusive special offers, news and new product launches from Into The Blue. We will not sell or distribute your details to third parties. You can opt out at any time.